I know it's not a model but this boat was used for a short time by Worcester City Police in the mid 60s. It was soon found to be unfit for purpose as the freeboard was too high when used for its main task of pulling bodies out of the water. It was replaced by a Dory. This was much more suitable as I found, when recovering a body from the river Severn at Holt Fleet near Worcester. I also found that the low freeboard allowed easy access to a male swan when we got too close to its nest. Luckily my mate had the boat hook to hand to repel boarders . I took cover under the tarpaulin with the body whilst he removed the swan. What fun we had in those days!

It was not unknown for swans to 'get lost' and land on the road on Worcester river bridge. We were told that if this happened we were to grasp the neck just behind the head and put the free arm around the body to stop the wings flapping.As I had a mortal fear of all things flapping - hence taking refuge under the sheet with the body - I prayed I would never come across such an incident.

Hi SteveThe owner of our lake, Alan, is regularly called upon by the local police to collect swans that have strayed onto the local roads. They usually end up sat in the middle of a road junction causing all kinds of mayhem. Unless they are protecting their young they are quite docile and remain calm once you have captured and secured the wings. We have a resident nesting couple and feed them in the winter when the lake is iced over, so they know us and cause no trouble.We used to have a big problem with Canada Geese but not any more. If they appear the cob is after them very quickly and will attack any that don't flee quickly enough. It is quite a sight to see his low level attack with wings beating the surface.Dave